Overview
RTI International is seeking a Surveillance and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Advisor for a USAID-funded malaria surveillance and monitoring project in Tanzania. The purpose of this project is to support the Government of Tanzania (GOT) to reduce the burden of malaria and to move towards the long-term goal of malaria elimination. Reporting to the Director of Surveillance and MERLA, the Surveillance and MERLA Advisor will be responsible for the development, management of, and support to the surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems in Zanzibar. The position will be based in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with the Director of Surveillance and MERLA, leads the project’s MERLA systems and approach in Zanzibar, including developing and managing the project’s relevant performance indicators, baselines, and annual targets, as well as ensures compliance to USAID and PMI requirements.
- Manages the project’s support to GOT in state-of-the-art malaria surveillance in Zanzibar.
- Supports implementation of the project’s research agenda and oversee research activities.
- Monitors and oversees the collection, analysis and reporting on performance indicators by counterparts, preparing data tabulations, reports, and presentations to support project activities in Zanzibar.
- Supports and/or contributes to advanced programmatic data analyses to successfully implement the project and, overall, help Zanzibar to progress towards malaria elimination.
- Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports on the status of project implementation in Zanzibar; contributes to other project reports such as annual work plans.
- Regularly reviews and updates the project’s MEL plan as it pertains to Zanzibar project activities.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in public health, demography, sociology, epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology or a related field.
- Min. of 12 years’ experience in monitoring, evaluation, surveillance, and research related to large-scale health development programs.
- Previous experience working in Tanzania/Zanzibar in the field of surveillance, research and M&E.
- Excellent knowledge of data collection protocols for quality data collection and verification.
- Exceptional ability to analyze multiple sources of data to identify data trends and provide recommendations on project implementation.
- Demonstrated experience and familiarity with behavioral surveillance surveys, research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, sampling methods, and establishment of surveillance and MEL systems in developing country contexts.
- Demonstrated track record in disseminating programmatic and research outcomes and findings at national and international conferences, as well as in the published literature.
- Knowledge of USAID MEL reporting procedures is preferred.
- Must have strong oral and written communication and presentation skills in English (tested FSI R4/S4). Fluency in Kiswahili will be a significant asset.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications. Experience and familiarity with DHIS2 and statistical software packages is preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently within Zanzibar.
- Local nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. This position is contingent upon award and funding. RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.